US Blockade Triggers Vessel Maneuvers in Strait of Hormuz: What You Need to Know

The recent US blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports has led to significant changes in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that vessels are altering their destination signals to evade detection. With over 10,000 troops involved in the blockade, the situation is tense, and US President Trump has issued stern warnings against any Iranian ships approaching the blockade. This article delves into the implications of these developments on shipping routes and regional security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 15, 2026, 13:59 IST

Vessels Adjust Routes Amid US Blockade

London: Reports indicate that at least two ships have navigated through the Strait of Hormuz towards Iranian ports after modifying their Automatic Identification System (AIS) destination information, in response to a US-imposed blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iran, according to British shipping sources.

The British shipping publication Lloyd's List highlighted that following the blockade's implementation, several vessels intending to dock at Iranian ports were seen changing their AIS destination signals while traversing the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The report noted that shortly after the blockade was enforced, two Iranian-flagged container ships, which initially indicated their destination as the southern Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, switched their AIS messages to a broader term, 'PG Ports,' referring to 'Persian Gulf ports.'

After successfully navigating through the Strait, these vessels continued their journey towards Bandar Abbas on Tuesday, as per the report.

Analysts mentioned that such maneuvers could complicate the intelligence-gathering efforts of the US blockade, necessitating additional resources to monitor and identify ships involved in maritime activities to Iranian ports.

The US Central Command announced on Tuesday that over 10,000 troops are currently engaged in the mission to blockade vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports, targeting ships of all nationalities without bias.

According to the command, six merchant vessels have adhered to the directives from US forces to return to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman.

"In the first 24 hours, no vessels successfully passed the US blockade," the command stated, adding that more than 10,000 sailors, marines, and airmen, along with numerous warships and aircraft, are involved in the blockade.

The blockade encompasses Iranian ports and coastal regions, including all Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Maritime data firm Kpler reported that at least nine commercial vessels have crossed the strait since Monday.

On the same day, CNN revealed that there were at least 15 US ships in the vicinity that could potentially engage in the blockade, although their exact locations remained unclear.

US President Donald Trump issued a warning on Monday, stating that the military would 'eliminate' any Iranian ship that approaches the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea," Trump posted on Truth Social.

Traffic through the strait has plummeted to below 10 percent of pre-conflict levels, down from over 100 vessels prior to the joint military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.